Santiago, Chile – According to Servicio Nacional de Pesca y Acuicultura (SERNAPESCA), a significant step has been taken to combat illegal fishing through a new international alliance with Mexico. This collaboration, announced on July 2, 2025, aims to strengthen efforts to protect marine resources and ensure sustainable fishing practices across borders. The agreement was formalized during a recent meeting of the Commission for Small-Scale and Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture of Latin America and the Caribbean (COPPESAALC) held in Panama between June 25 and 27, 2025. This initiative underscores the importance of regional cooperation in addressing the global challenge of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which threatens marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of countless communities dependent on fishing.
The partnership between SERNAPESCA and Mexico’s National Aquaculture and Fisheries Commission (CONAPESCA) focuses on sharing expertise, technology, and resources to monitor and prevent illegal fishing activities. Both countries have committed to joint projects that will enhance surveillance and enforcement mechanisms in their respective waters. This includes the exchange of data on fishing vessels, the implementation of advanced tracking systems, and coordinated patrols in areas prone to IUU fishing. The collaboration is seen as a model for other Latin American and Caribbean nations to follow, demonstrating how bilateral agreements can contribute to broader regional and international goals for sustainability and marine conservation.
Illegal fishing is a pressing issue that not only depletes fish stocks but also undermines legal fishing operations, impacting the economic stability of coastal regions. SERNAPESCA has long been at the forefront of efforts to ensure compliance with fishing regulations and protect Chile’s vast marine biodiversity. By partnering with Mexico, the agency aims to tackle the transnational nature of IUU fishing, which often involves vessels crossing national boundaries to evade detection. The agreement also includes provisions for capacity building, with training programs for fisheries inspectors and community outreach to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable fishing practices that preserve the environment.
During the COPPESAALC meeting, representatives from both Chile and Mexico emphasized the shared responsibility of nations to safeguard marine resources for future generations. The joint project proposal submitted during the conference received strong support from other member countries, highlighting the urgency of addressing IUU fishing through collaborative frameworks. This initiative aligns with international commitments under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to life below water and responsible consumption and production. The focus on marine conservation and biodiversity reflects a growing recognition of the interconnectedness of global ecosystems and the need for unified action.
A key component of the alliance is the emphasis on technological innovation. Both SERNAPESCA and CONAPESCA plan to leverage satellite monitoring and digital reporting systems to track fishing activities in real-time. This data-driven approach is expected to improve the accuracy of identifying illegal operations and facilitate quicker response times. For instance, a pilot project in the Pacific waters shared by both nations will test the integration of vessel monitoring systems to create a seamless network of oversight, protecting critical habitats for marine species. Additionally, the partnership will explore ways to support artisanal fishers, ensuring that enforcement measures do not disproportionately affect small-scale operators who rely on fishing for their livelihoods.
To bolster the impact of this initiative, SERNAPESCA reports that over 900 personnel across Chile’s 16 regions are already engaged in monitoring and enforcement activities, a statistic that underscores the agency’s extensive reach and commitment to wildlife protection. This workforce will play a crucial role in implementing the new strategies developed through the alliance with Mexico. Furthermore, the collaboration will serve as a platform for sharing best practices in managing outdoor resources, potentially influencing policies beyond the two nations involved.
The agreement also sets a precedent for future international cooperation in the region. As illegal fishing continues to pose a threat to global marine health, partnerships like this one offer a blueprint for collective action. By prioritizing sustainable practices and cross-border collaboration, SERNAPESCA and CONAPESCA are paving the way for a more resilient and equitable fishing industry. This initiative not only addresses immediate challenges but also contributes to long-term environmental goals, ensuring that marine ecosystems remain vibrant and productive for years to come.
For more information, visit Servicio Nacional de Pesca y Acuicultura (SERNAPESCA).